malc best placed but i think there is a strong desire from some people but really they would have to convince people its viable and in talking to malc he felt a strong showing in S&S would be a good idea with some demo cars.

Only thing i would see increasing cost but what is it improving? Good bit faster I guess but racing wouldn't be any more competitive. Plus what do people do with existing mini's just write them off?

If they could would be better to see what upgrades could be done to existing cars and i remember Gerry/malc rambling about some upgrades that went above my head :p

Reg's are currently going through Scrutiny/MSA submission for the Mini Cooper S class for 2017.. the SMRC are fully backing it. I can send the provisional spec by email If anyone would like to see it.

Cars will run in a Cooper S class within Sports and Saloons (We pushed for 2 classes within the existing minis, but strong entries this year makes it impossible.) Maybe for 2018!

Existing Coopers can be easily upgraded with Engine, gearbox from (+ few other bits) a Cooper S. The existing coopers should never be defunct and will in fact be more cost effective too U/G your the existing car.
It's already a great championship for beginners and more experienced drivers, but there's now going to be a cost effective stepping stone with~200bhp on slicks and wets. Something We desperately need for driver development and to encourage more new drivers.

all sounds spingly and as for boring up straights don't forget - will always be someone in front/behind/sides as you go up it _________________http://www.youtube.com/user/andybalcairn/ to see how bad I drive!!!

so the 5-7k ones are the sensibly priced ones although for £7k be expecting perfection (but depends on spares). I imagine the other ones are all spec'd to down south regs and they have lots of juicy classes.